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Accessibility Assessment | Curry County

Introduction

Curry County Elections Office
PO Box 746
Gold Beach  Oregon 97444

Download a Microsoft Word version of the Assessment

On April 21, 2004, Environmental Access, Inc. conducted an onsite visit and survey of the Curry County Elections Office for compliance with the ADA Accessibility Guidelines and Chapter 11 of the Oregon Structural Specialty Code, the accessibility requirements adopted by the State of Oregon.

Most election offices were located in their county courthouse. Therefore most of the surveys involved an evaluation of a portion of a larger facility. The scope of the survey included the accessible route from the public sidewalk and parking, if provided, to the accessible entrance. If the accessible route to the elections office included use of an elevator, the elevator was evaluated. In addition to surveying the public access areas of the elections office, employee and volunteer areas were evaluated. The survey also included an evaluation of the most accessible toilet facilities that served the elections office.

The purpose of the survey was to identify structural barriers to the county elections office so that the elections offices can evaluate and prioritize barrier removal and obtain financial assistance from the HAVA Program to assist with the funding of the removal of these barriers.

The recommendations provided in this report are made to assist the county elections office in identifying and removing structural barriers to its facilities. An evaluation of individual programs, services and activities within a certain facility was not part of this study. This report does not address potential program modifications that may be available to provide program accessibility. Public entities that are subject to Title II of the ADA must conduct an ADA compliance review known as an ADA Self Evaluation. The ADA Self Evaluation must include an evaluation of policies, practices, procedures, programs, employment, and communication as well as an evaluation of facilities for structural accessibility. As part of the ADA Self Evaluation, each public entity is required to develop an ADA Transition Plan to address any structural barriers identified during the ADA Self Evaluation process.

The ADA Compliance Report

Each report has an “Executive Summary” located at the beginning of the report that summarizes all of the recommendations made in the body of the report.  The recommendations are prioritized in order of importance using the priorities established by the U.S. Department of Justice for public entities.

The body of the report utilizes three sections for each set of structural barriers identified.  The first section is titled “Existing Condition.”  The “existing condition” section summarizes the building element or elements that do not comply with either the ADA Accessibility Guidelines or the State of Oregon Building Code.

The second section is titled "ADA Accessibility Guidelines." The "ADA Accessibility Guidelines" section of the report is a summary of the applicable accessibility requirements, including the more stringent Oregon requirements where applicable. A complete copy of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines should be consulted along with the State of Oregon Building Code prior to making any alterations to the facility.

The third section is titled "Recommendations." The "recommendations" section provides a recommendation or recommendations for the removal of the architectural barriers identified. This section may also make a recommendation for an alternative to barrier removal or may make a recommendation for a temporary solution.

Photographs of barriers are provided in the appendix section of the report, which is located at the back of the report. The photographs are numbered and referenced in the body of the report by appendix page and photograph number. Not all barriers have photographs as many are clear and straightforward and therefore photographs were not included in the appendix of the report. New digital camera operator error also caused some photographs to be missing.

Some counties have provided drive-up drop boxes at their county courthouses or at other convenient locations within their county for voters to drive-up and drop their ballots without having to exit their vehicle. These drive-up drop boxes are excellent ways to provide improved access for people with disabilities and seniors. Because of the cost of removing many of the barriers identified during this survey, counties should consider providing these drive-up drop boxes as an alternative.

If, after reviewing the report, there are any questions about the barriers identified or the recommendations made, or any other aspect of the survey or report, please contact Bob Pike at Environmental Access, Inc.

Executive Summary

Parking

On-Street Parking:
The parking strip should be paved with asphalt or concrete. Detectable warnings should be installed on the curb ramp. Both parking spaces should be marked with a sign.

Parking Lot:
The parking space should be marked with a sign with the correct statutory language. A second sign under the standard sign should mark the space as "van accessible." The dip in the surface of the access aisle should be repaired.

Accessible Routes

Public Sidewalk/Public Right-of-Way:
A compliant accessible route should be provided from the public sidewalk. The slope on the accessible route should not exceed 5 percent. If the slope exceeds 5 percent then it must be designed as a ramp and provide handrails and landings. The slope of the driveway apron should not exceed 8.3 percent, the maximum slope of a curb ramp. The accessible route should not enter or cross a vehicular lane of travel; if it does there must be a crosswalk and detectable warnings. The openings in the drain grate should be modified so that they are not parallel to the path of travel nor have openings greater than _ inch.

Accessible Parking:
A compliant accessible route should be provided from the access aisle of the accessible parking space. The slope on the accessible route should not exceed 5 percent. If the slope exceeds 5 percent then it must be designed as a ramp and provide handrails and landings. If the accessible route enters or crosses a vehicular lane of travel there must be a crosswalk and detectable warnings. The openings in the drain grate should be modified so that they are not parallel to the path of travel nor have openings greater than _ inch.

Entrances

Accessible Entrance:
Directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at all inaccessible entrances indicating the location of the accessible entrance. Detectable warnings should be installed on the curb ramp. A raised letter and Braille exit sign should be located on the latch side of the interior side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor.

Elections Entrance:
The door opening force on the elections door should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. Raised letter and Braille signage should be provided. The round doorknob should be replaced with accessible door hardware.

Interior Entrance:
The round doorknobs should be replaced with accessible door hardware.

Counters

A 36-inch section of the counter should be lowered to a maximum of 34 inches above the floor.  In the interim, a clipboard or accessible table should be utilized. 

Toilet Rooms

Directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at the inaccessible toilet facilities in the courthouse indicating the location of the accessible toilet facilities in the annex building. At least one toilet facility in the courthouse should be modified to be accessible and eventually one toilet facility on each floor of the courthouse should be modified to be accessible.

Elevators

The elevator should be fully evaluated for ADA compliance. At a minimum, the hall call buttons should be lowered. Raised and Braille car control designations should be provided and located to the left of the buttons. Raised letter and Braille floor designations should be installed on each floor. Audible and visual floor passing tones should be installed. The emergency communication system should be replaced with a fully compliant system. 

Drinking Fountains

Dual height drinking fountains should be installed. In the interim, paper cup dispensers and wastebaskets should be provided at each inaccessible drinking fountain.

Emergency Alarms

Audible/visual alarms should be provided in the building. The building should have an emergency evacuation plan that includes provisions for evacuating people with disabilities.

ADA Compliance Report

Parking

Existing Condition — On-Street Parking:
There are two on-street parallel disabled parking spaces provided across the street from the courthouse and the county elections office. One of the disabled parking spaces has grass growing in the parking strip next to the space. There is a curb ramp located between the two disabled parking spaces; it does not have detectable warnings. One of the disabled parking spaces does not have a sign. Due to the slope of the street, both disabled parking spaces have slopes greater than 2 percent. If a person with a disability exits their vehicle from the driver’s side, they are in a vehicular lane of traffic in the middle of a block. (See Appendix Page 2, Photos. # 1 & 2)

Existing Condition — Parking Lot:
There is one 9-foot wide disabled parking space with an 8-foot wide access aisle. The slope on the parking space and access aisle ranges from 3.5 to 5 percent and there is a dip in the asphalt in the access aisle. The sign is incorrect, it states "Parking Only" and includes the International Symbol of Access but the sign does not have the correct statutory language and does not include a "van accessible" sign. (See Appendix Page 3, Photo. # 3)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
The accessible parking shall be located on the shortest accessible route of travel from the parking area to the accessible entrance. If a facility has multiple accessible entrances, accessible parking shall be dispersed and located closest to the accessible entrances. ADAAG 4.6.2

If parking is located at a facility in such a manner that it requires an individual to enter a vehicular lane of travel, then a crosswalk must be provided. When the accessible route crosses or adjoins a vehicular way, and it is not separated by curbs, railings, or other elements, the boundary between the areas shall be defined by a continuous detectable warning 36" wide. ADAAG 4.29

One accessible parking space is provided. This parking space is required to be "van accessible." In Oregon, a van accessible parking space in a facility with less than 26 parking spaces must provide a 108" parking space, a vertical clearance of 98", and a 96" access aisle. The access aisle shall be located on the passenger side of the van accessible parking space. ADAAG 4.1.2(5)(a)(b) & 4.6.5

A sign shall be posted for each accessible parking space. The sign shall be clearly visible to a person parking in the space. Signage shall be provided that utilizes the International Symbol of Accessibility with letters a minimum of 1" in height to read:

"Parking with DMV Disabled Permit Only. Violators subject to towing under ORS 811.620 and a fine of up to $300.00 under ORS 811.615."

If these signs are placed on posts then they shall be placed with the bottom edge of the sign at least 84" above the parking lot surface. The van accessible parking space shall add the language "van accessible" to the bottom of the designated sign. ORS & ADAAG 4.1.2(7)(a)(b) & 4.6.4

If the signs are located on buildings, walls or other structures, then they signs shall be located so that they are easily visible when a car is parked in the parking space. ADAAG 4.1.2(7)(a)(b) & 4.6.4

The pavement of each accessible parking space shall be clearly marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility. The symbol shall be a minimum of 29" in height and a minimum of 24" in width. The width of the symbol striping shall be 4".

No ramp or other obstruction may extend into an accessible parking space or the adjacent access aisle.

Accessible parking spaces must measure at least 17’ in length. ORS 447.233

Parking spaces and access aisles shall have a maximum slope of 1:50 (2%) in all directions. ADAAG 4.6.3

Recommendation — On-Street Parking:
The parking strip should be paved with asphalt or concrete. Detectable warnings should be installed on the curb ramp. Both parking spaces should be marked with a sign.

Recommendation — Parking Lot:
The parking space should be marked with a sign with the correct statutory language. A second sign under the standard sign should mark the space as "van accessible." The dip in the surface of the access aisle should be repaired.

Accessible Route

Existing Condition — Public Sidewalk/Public Right-of-Way:
The accessible route from the pubic sidewalk/public right-of-way is not accessible, it requires using a driveway apron that has a slope of 25 percent and is dangerous. The route from the public sidewalk requires crossing into a vehicular lane of travel through the parking lot. It has a slope greater than 5 percent and ranges from 6 to 10.5 percent and has a cross slope greater than 2 percent and is as much as 6 percent. There is a drain grate located at the bottom of the slope near the accessible entrance. The drain grate has openings greater than _ inch (1-1/2") and they are parallel to the path of travel (See Appendix Pages 3, 4, & 5 Photos. # 4, 5 & 7)

Existing Condition — Accessible Parking:
The accessible route from the disabled parking space in the parking lot is not accessible, it requires crossing into a vehicular lane of travel through the parking lot. It has a slope greater than 5 percent and ranges from 6 to 10.5 percent and a cross slope greater than 2 percent and as much as 6 percent. The route is longer than 30 feet and has a slope greater than 5 percent and there are no handrails or landings provided. There is a drain grate located at the bottom of the slope near the accessible entrance. The drain grate has openings greater than _ inch (1-1/2") and they are parallel to the path of travel (See Appendix Pages 4 & 5, Photos. # 6 & 7)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
At least one accessible route shall be provided within the boundary of the site from public transportation stops, passenger loading zones, if provided, and public streets and sidewalks, and accessible parking spaces to the accessible entrance to the facility. The accessible route, to the maximum extent possible, shall coincide with the route used by the general public. ADAAG 4.1.2(1) & 4.3.2(1)

At least one accessible route shall connect accessible buildings, facilities, elements, and spaces that are on the same site. ADAAG 4.3.2(2)

At least one accessible route shall connect accessible building or facility entrances with all accessible spaces and elements within the building or facility. ADAAG 4.3.2(3)

An accessible route shall not cross a vehicular lane of travel. If a walk crosses or adjoins a vehicular way, and the walk is not separated by curbs, railings or other elements between pedestrian areas and vehicular ways, the boundary between the areas shall be defined by a continuous detectable warning 36" wide. ADAAG 4.29.5

An accessible route shall be a minimum 36" wide. The minimum clear headroom on an accessible route shall be 80". The maximum slope allowed on an accessible route is 1:20 with a cross slope no greater 1:50. ADAAG 4.3.3, 4.3.5, 4.3.7 & 4.4.2

Maximum level change along an accessible route is 1/4" without edge treatment. Changes in level between 1/4" and 1/2" requires that the edge be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. Changes in level greater than 1/2" require a ramp. ADAAG 4.3.8 & 4.5.2

Accessible routes shall have a firm, stable, slip-resistant surface. If gratings are located along accessible routes, they shall have spaces no greater than 1/2" wide and shall be perpendicular to the route of travel. ADAAG 4.3.6 & 4.5

Ramps are required wherever the slope on an accessible route exceeds 1:20 (5 percent). The least possible slope shall be used for any ramp. The maximum slope allowed on a ramp is 1:12 (8.33 percent). Ramps shall have a minimum clear width of 36". Ramps shall have level landings at the top and bottom of each ramp and each ramp run. A ramp may have a run 30’ in length and then must have a landing 5’ in length. Landings are required at any place along the ramp where the ramp changes direction. ADAAG 4.8.1, 2, 3 & 4

Handrails are required on both sides of the ramp and shall be continuous the full length of the ramp. If they are not continuous, they shall extend at least 12" beyond the top and bottom of the ramp. The height of the handrails shall be 34"-38" above the ramp surface and mounted 1-1/2" from any wall. The diameter of the handrail shall be 1-1/4" to 1-1/2", shall have a continuous gripping surface, and have ends rounded or returned smoothly to the floor, wall or post. ADAAG 4.8.5, 4.26.2 & 4.26.4

The ramp surface shall be firm, stable, and slip resistant. The maximum cross slope of a ramp shall be 1:50. Outdoor ramps and their approaches shall be designed so that water will not accumulate on their walking surfaces. ADAAG 4.5.1, 4.8.6 & 4.8.8

Ramps and landings with a vertical drop-off shall have walls, railings, projecting surfaces, or minimum 2" high curbs to prevent people from slipping off the side of the ramp. ADAAG 4.8.7

Recommendation — Public Sidewalk/Public Right-of-Way:
A compliant accessible route should be provided from the public sidewalk. The slope on the accessible route should not exceed 5 percent. If the slope exceeds 5 percent then it must be designed as a ramp and provide handrails and landings. The slope of the driveway apron should not exceed 8.3 percent, the maximum slope of a curb ramp. The accessible route should not enter or cross a vehicular lane of travel; if it does there must be a crosswalk and detectable warnings. The openings in the drain grate should be modified so that they are not parallel to the path of travel nor have openings greater than _ inch.

Recommendation — Accessible Parking:
A compliant accessible route should be provided from the access aisle of the accessible parking space. The slope on the accessible route should not exceed 5 percent. If the slope exceeds 5 percent then it must be designed as a ramp and provide handrails and landings. If the accessible route enters or crosses a vehicular lane of travel there must be a crosswalk and detectable warnings. The openings in the drain grate should be modified so that they are not parallel to the path of travel nor have openings greater than _ inch.

Entrances

Existing Condition — Accessible Entrance:
There are signs at the front and side of the building that state "Elevator Entrance" with a directional arrow, but there is no International Symbol of Access on the sign. All inaccessible entrances are not marked with directional signs indicating the location of the accessible entrance. The entrance designated as accessible is at the rear of the building and it is not fully accessible and is not identified by the International Symbol of Access.

An automatic door-opening device is provided. The doors swing out over a 3-foot landing. The slope on the landing varies from 4.5 to 8 percent. There is a curb ramp located at this entrance landing. The curb ramp does not have detectable warnings. This entrance is located near the sally port and down a driveway that serves the vehicular way. The interior side of the door is marked with an exit sign; there is no raised letter and Braille exit sign provided. (See Appendix Page 5, Photo. # 8)

Existing Condition — Elections Entrance:
The door opening force is more than 5lbs. There is a sign on the door and above the door but there is no raised letter and Braille signage. There is a round doorknob that requires tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate. (See Appendix Page 6, Photo. # 9)

Existing Condition — Interior Entrances:
The entrance doors to most rooms have round knobs that require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
The accessible entrance to a building or facility, where feasible, shall be the entrance used by the general public. ADAAG 4.1.3(8)(a)

When all entrances are not accessible, the accessible entrances shall be marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility. Entrances which are not accessible shall have directional signage indicating where the nearest accessible entrance is located. ADAAG 4.1.2(7)(c), 4.1.3(8)(d), 4.1.6(1)(h) & 4.30.1

Signs which designate permanent rooms and spaces, shall be raised and provide Braille characters and pictograms. Letters and numbers shall be raised 1/32" and shall be accompanied by Grade 2 Braille. Raised character height shall be a minimum 5/8" and a maximum of 2". Pictograms shall be accompanied by the equivalent verbal description placed directly below the pictogram. The border dimension of the pictogram shall be 6" minimum in height. The characters and background of signs shall be a non-glare finish. Characters and symbols shall contrast with their background, light-on-dark or dark-on-light. The identification for rooms and spaces shall be mounted on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door. Where there is no wall space to the latch side of the door, including at double leaf doors, signs shall be placed on the nearest adjacent wall.

Mounting height shall be 60" above the finished floor to the centerline of the sign. Such signage shall allow a person to approach within 3" without encountering protruding objects or standing within the swing of the door. ADAAG 4.1.2(7), 4.1.3(16)(a) & 4.30.4, 5, & 6

At each accessible entrance, at least one door shall be accessible. ADAAG 4.1.3(7)(a)

Out-swinging entrance doors with a front approach shall have a minimum 5’ long landing and it shall extend a minimum of 18" beyond the latch side of the door. The floor or ground area within the required clearances shall be level and clear. ADAAG 4.13.6

Doors into accessible spaces and areas shall provide a minimum clear space of 32", provide lever-operated door hardware, and have a door opening force no greater than 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.3.3, 4.13.5, 4.13.6 & 4.13.11

Accessible door hardware includes handles, pulls, latches, locks, and other operating devices with a shape that is easy to grasp with one hand and does not require tight grasping, tight pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. Lever-operated mechanisms, push-type mechanisms and U-shaped handles are acceptable designs. Door hardware shall be mounted no higher than 48" above the finished floor. ADAAG 4.13.8

Maximum threshold height shall be 1/2". Raised thresholds shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. If existing thresholds are 3/4" or less, and have a beveled edge on each side, they are acceptable. ADAAG 4.1.6(3)(d)(ii) & 4.13.8

The maximum force allowed for opening an exterior door shall not exceed 8-1/2 lbs. The maximum force allowed for opening an interior door shall not exceed 5 lbs. Chapter 11 & ADAAG 4.13.11

Detectable warnings are required the full width and length of the curb ramp. Surfaces shall contrast visually from the adjoining surfaces, either light-on-dark, or dark-on-light. The material used to provide contrast shall be an integral part of the walking surface. Detectable warnings used on interior surfaces shall differ from a joining walking surfaces in resiliency or sound-on- cane contact. The surface shall consist of raised truncated domes with the following features:


Diameter: 0.9" nominal

Height: 0.2" nominal

Center to Center spacing: 2.35" nominal


ADAAG 4.7.7 & 4.29.2

Recommendation — Accessible Entrance::
Directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at all inaccessible entrances indicating the location of the accessible entrance. Detectable warnings should be installed on the curb ramp. A raised letter and Braille exit sign should be located on the latch side of the interior side of the door, centered at 60 inches above the floor.

Recommendation — Elections Entrance:
The door opening force on the elections door should be reduced to a maximum of 5 lbs. Raised letter and Braille signage should be provided. The round doorknob should be replaced with accessible door hardware.

Recommendation — Interior Entrance:
The round doorknobs should be replaced with accessible door hardware.

Counters

Existing Condition:
There is a main counter that is located at 42 inches above the finished floor; there is no lower section. (See Appendix Page 7, Photo. # 10)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
If seating for people in wheelchairs is provided at tables or counters, knee spaces at least 27" high, 30"wide, and 19" deep shall be provided. The tops of accessible tables and counters shall be from 28"to 34" above the finished floor. ADAAG 4.32.3 & 4

In all areas where business transactions occur with the general public, such as department stores and retail stores where counters have cash registers and are provided for sales or distribution of goods or services to the public, a portion of the counter, a minimum of 36" in length, and a maximum of 36" above the finished floor shall be provided. Accessible counters, if provided, must be dispersed throughout the building or facility. Counters must be located on an accessible route. ADAAG 7.2

At ticketing counters, teller stations in a bank, registration counters in hotels and motels, box-office ticket counters, and other counters that may not have a cash register, but at which goods and services are sold or distributed, a portion of the main counter, which is a minimum of 36" in length and a maximum of 36" in height shall be provided. An auxiliary counter with a maximum height of 36" in close proximity to the main counter may be provided. As an alternative, a folding shelf attached to the main counter or the use of the space on the side of the counter or a desk may be utilized. ADAAG 7.2

Recommendation:
A 36-inch section of the counter should be lowered to a maximum of 34 inches above the floor. In the interim, a clipboard or accessible table should be utilized.

Toilet Rooms

There are no accessible toilet rooms located in the Curry County Courthouse. The closet accessible toilet rooms are located across the street in the annex building. There is no signage at the inaccessible facilities located within the county courthouse indicating the location of the accessible toilet rooms in the annex building located across the street. (See Appendix Page 8, Photo. # 11)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
If toilet rooms are provided in a facility, then each public and common use facility shall be accessible. Accessible toilet room facilities shall be located on an accessible route. ADAAG 4.1.2(6) & 4.22.1

Signage utilizing the International Symbol of Accessibility shall be provided at accessible toilet rooms when all toilet rooms are not accessible. Signage shall also be provided on toilet rooms that are not accessible, indicating the location of the nearest accessible toilet room within the facility. ADAAG 4.1.2(7)(d) & 4.1.6(3)(e)(iii)

Recommendation:
Directional signs utilizing the International Symbol of Access should be provided at the inaccessible toilet facilities in the courthouse indicating the location of the accessible toilet facilities in the annex building. At least one toilet facility in the courthouse should be modified to be accessible and eventually one toilet facility on each floor of the courthouse should be modified to be accessible.


Elevator

Existing Condition:
The elevator is non-compliant. The elevator hall call buttons are located at 50 inches above the floor. There are no raised letter and Braille car control button designations. The car control buttons are located between 53 and 59 inches above the elevator floor. There are no raised letter and Braille floor markings. There are no audible and visual floor passing tones. The emergency telephone requires voice communication.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Accessible elevators shall be on an accessible route and shall comply with the ASME A17.1-1990, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.

Elevators shall have self-leveling devices that will automatically align the car and floor within 1/2". ADAAG 4.10.2

Doors shall have a reopening device that will stop and reopen the door. The device shall operate without requiring contact and shall be located at heights of 5" and 29" above the finished floor. The reopening device shall remain effective for at least 20 seconds. If safety door edges are provided in existing automatic elevators, automatic-reopening devices may be omitted. ADAAG 4.10.6

Minimum car dimensions shall be 48" deep by 48" wide for existing conditions and alterations. Cabs of other sizes may be allowed when usability is demonstrated and other provisions are in compliance. ADAAG 4.1.6(3)(c) & 4.10.9

Hall call buttons shall be centered at 42" above the floor and shall have visual signals to indicate when a call is registered and answered. The minimum button size is 3/4" and they shall be raised or flush. Objects mounted below the call buttons shall not protrude more than 4" from the wall. ADAAG 4.10.3

Hall lanterns shall have visual and audible signals at each hoist-way entrance to indicate which car is answering. Audible signals shall sound once for "up" and twice for "down". Visual signals shall be mounted with a centerline at least 72" above the lobby floor. Visual signals shall be a minimum of 2-1/2" in the smallest dimension. ADAAG 4.10.4

Raised and Braille floor designations shall be provided on both jambs at all elevator hoist-way entrances. They shall be located and centered 60" above the finished floor. Characters shall be 2" high, raised 1/32" and shall be accompanied by Grade 2 Braille. ADAAG 4.10.5

Car control buttons shall be a minimum of 3/4" in the smallest dimension and shall be raised or flush. All control buttons shall be designated by Braille and raised numbers. Characters shall be 5/8" high, raised 1/32" and be accompanied by Grade 2 Braille. The main floor call button shall be designated by a raised star. They shall be placed to the left of the button. Floor buttons shall be provided with signals which light when a call is registered. All floor buttons shall be a maximum of 54" above the floor where a side approach is possible and a maximum of 48" where a front approach is required.ADAAG 4.10.12(1)(2)(3)(4)

A visual car position indicator shall be located above the car control panel or above the door. As the car passes or stops at a floor, the number shall illuminate and an audible signal shall sound. Numbers shall be a minimum of 1/2" and audible signals shall be no less than 20 db. ADAAG 4.10.13

If an emergency two-way communication system is provided, it shall be located a maximum of 48" above the floor. The system shall be identified by raised symbol and lettering next to the device. If the device uses a handset, it shall have a minimum cord length of 29". The emergency communication device shall not require voice communication. If it is located in a closed compartment, the door shall be easy to open with one hand, shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. If emergency alarms or stops are provided, they shall be grouped at the bottom of the elevator control panel at a minimum of 35" above the floor. ADAAG 4.10.14

Recommendation:
The elevator should be fully evaluated for ADA compliance. At a minimum, the hall call buttons should be lowered. Raised and Braille car control designations should be provided and located to the left of the buttons. Raised letter and Braille floor designations should be installed on each floor. Audible and visual floor passing tones should be installed. The emergency communication system should be replaced with a fully compliant system.

Drinking Fountains

Existing Condition:
There is a single height drinking fountain located in the hall; it does not have the required clear knee space. (See Appendix Page 8, Photo. # 11)

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
Where only one drinking fountain is provided per floor, accessible drinking facilities shall be provided for wheelchair users and for persons who have difficulty bending or stooping. This may be accomplished by utilizing a "hi-lo" drinking fountain design with spouts at wheelchair and standard height. ADAAG 4.1.3(10)(a)

An accessible drinking fountain shall provide a spout no higher than 36" above the floor or ground. The spout shall be located at the front of the drinking fountain. The spout shall provide a flow of water at least 4" high so as to allow the insertion of a cup or glass under the flow of water. Controls shall be located at the front or side mounted near the front edge. Controls shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. The maximum force required to operate the controls shall be no greater than 5 lbs. ADAAG 4.15.2, 3, & 4 & 4.27.4

Wall- or post-mounted cantilevered fountains shall have a clear knee space a minimum of 27" high, 30" wide, and 17" to 19" deep. A minimum clear floor space 30" by 48" allowing a forward approach to the drinking fountain shall be provided. ADAAG 4.15.5(1)

Free-standing or built-in units not having clear knee space shall have a minimum of 30" by 48" clear floor space allowing a parallel approach to the drinking fountain. ADAAG 4.15.5(2)

Recommendations:
Dual height drinking fountains should be installed. In the interim, paper cup dispensers and wastebaskets should be provided at each inaccessible drinking fountain.

Emergency Alarms

Existing Condition:
There are no audible/visual emergency alarms provided.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines:
If an emergency warning system is provided, then it shall include both audible and visual alarms. Visual alarms shall be provided, at a minimum, in restrooms, hallways, lobbies, meeting rooms, and any other common use area. Visual alarms shall be integrated into the building or the facility alarm system. If single station audible alarms are provided, then single station visual alarms shall be provided. The audible emergency alarm shall produce a sound that exceeds the prevailing sound level in the room or space by at least 15 db. or exceeds any maximum sound level with a duration of 60 seconds by 5 dbs. Audible alarm sound levels shall not exceed 120 dbs. Visual alarms shall be placed every 50 feet. Emergency exit signs shall flash as a visual emergency alarm in conjunction with audible emergency alarms. The visual alarm appliances shall provide the following features:

  1. The lamp shall be xenon strobe type or equivalent.
  2. The color shall be clear or white (i.e., unfiltered or clear-filtered white light).
  3. Maximum pulse rate shall be 2/10 of a second with a maximum duty cycle of 40%.
  4. The intensity shall be a minimum of 75 candela.
  5. The flash rate shall be a minimum of 1 Hz and a maximum of 3 Hz.
  6. The device shall be placed 80" above the highest floor level within the space or 6" below the ceiling, whichever is lower.

ADAAG 4.1.3(14), 4.28.1 & 4.28.3

Recommendations:
Audible/visual alarms should be provided in the building. The building should have an emergency evacuation plan that includes provisions for evacuating people with disabilities.